May 19, 2008- Geneva-Margaret Chan, WHO Director- General opened the 61st World Health Assembly (WHA) by expressing condolences to the millions of people in Myanmar and China who lost homes and loved ones in the recent natural disasters to strike each country.

In her address to the WHA she stated that WHO has 17 surveillance teams in Myanmar distributing medical supplies for the most pressing of health concerns. A surveillance system for disease outbreaks has been established with rapid alerts and response and added how important this system will be as the monsoon season sets in.

Sixty years ago the WHO faced the task of restoring basic health to a world devastated by war. All these years WHO has been back bone in the development and improving of global health, together with nations, NGO’s and individuals.

In celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO60) has set up a number of activities and events covering a range of public health issues.

Some of the events and activities to mark the 60th anniversary will continue to unfold throughout the sixtieth year of the WHO and included a WHO Guidebook intended to help organisers develop materials and planning 60th celebrations; an International photo exhibit; an historical podcast; global health histories seminars as well as a 150 page book on how public health changed the world.